O.M. Grey's Blog, page 37
October 4, 2011
Kickstarter Project for O. M. Grey
Today I launched my Kickstarter Project Campaign to raise publishing funds (and get a new podcasting mic). Please take a look at the project and the little vlog I made for the campaign.
I've got some great rewards like free eBooks, author signed books, a mention in the acknowledgements, a book dedicated to you, a cameo appearance in my new WIP, a fully developed character in my new WIP, and a private party with me and 30 of your friends.
Get more information and make your pledge here: Blood, Sex, & Cogs: Steamy Steampunk & More KICKSTARTER
Looking forward to hearing from you. xo
THE PROJECT
The cost of publishing print books is unfortunately quite high, and so I'm requesting the patronage of readers to help offset those costs for the printing of The Zombies of Mesmer as well as the printing of my forthcoming anthology Caught in the Cogs (December 2011 release), which will consist of several short stories, poetry, and a selection of relationship essays. Publishing costs consist of hiring a cover artist, professional editor, layout costs, setup costs, and printing/shipping costs.
This kickstarter campaign is to raise money to print the two above titles, a third as yet untitled WIP "new novel" to be released early 2012 (unless NY picks it up!), and to buy a new podcasting microphone/headphones for higher quality podcast recording.
Please listen to my podcasts over at http://omgrey.wordpress.com and comment on the blog posts. I do so love to chat with readers throughout the week.
By donating funds to these projects you will not only get a chance to receive one or more of these titles before they are available to the general public (and signed by me), but you also have the opportunity to be a part of the creation itself if you choose to become a character in the new WIP novel.
If I surpass my project goal, the remaining funds will assist in travel and lodging to the many Steampunk Events I have planned next year, bringing me closer to my readers and meeting new ones. So far I am confirmed as a literary guest at HRM Steampunk Symposium and Clockwork Con in January 2012, Anomaly Con in March, and Aetherfest in May. I plan to also return to the Steampunk World's Fair in NJ as well as make an appearance at World Steam Con in MI. There are over twenty Steampunk conventions in 2012, and it is my goal to attend as many as will have me. Hope to see you there!
If you are new to the term STEAMPUNK, please learn more about this beautiful aesthetic at Wikipedia. I write "Steamy" Steampunk with a twist of the paranormal.
This campaign ends on my birthday, and I can think of no better gift than the support from my fabulous readers.
Filed under: Events & Contests, Lost in the Aether, Steampunk Spotlight Tagged: author, contest, kickstarter, non-monogamy, o.m. grey, olivia grey, open marriage, passion, podcast, polyamory, postaweek2011, relationship advice, relationships, romance, sex, short story, steampunk, victorian
Steampunk Spotlight: Ostlund Custom Works
Today the Steampunk Spotlight shines on the unique home decor and jewelry of Ostlund Custom Works.
Ron Ostlund, Jr., owner and artist behind Ostlund Custom Works, makes all of his unique home decor and jewelry out of repurposed materials.
You can enter to win this beautiful clock over at Zouch Magazine and read an article on the artist called "The Shining Light of Steampunk."
About Ron's work in the artist's own words:
"I strive for the best quality of build that I can do without over processing or over thinking it. Raw is what I love, each piece has qualities that make it an individual! No piece is the same even if it has a similar appearance. These peices are truly handmade! I want to provide people with art they are proud to own! I want each piece to speak to someone, and for it to have a special place in their home and heart! Out of the warmth of wood and the coldness of metal comes true Beauty! Handcrafted out of a passion for life, art and unique style comes Ostlund Custom Works!" (taken from the Ostlund Custom Works website)
Find Ron Ostlund & Ostlund Custom Works on Facebook & on Twitter.
To buy some of this fabulous work, please visit his website or…
☞ Visit Ostlund Custom Works on ETSY. ☜
-_Q
If you like it, buy something … or at the very least, tell a friend about it.
Share via your social networks.
Etsy has a wonderful "share" feature to the right of every item. Use it.
-_Q
Buy Handmade. Support Artists Now.
How about you?
-_Q
Do you make Steampunk-something?
Would you like to be a part of this Steampunk Spotlight?
Contact Olivia to submit your handmade product.
Filed under: Steampunk Spotlight Tagged: art, clock, etsy, home decor, jewelry, o.m. grey, olivia grey, ostlund custom works, postaweek2011, repurposed, ron ostlund, ron ostlund jr, steampunk, upcycled
October 3, 2011
Kickstarter Project for O. M. Grey
Today I launched my Kickstarter Project Campaign to raise publishing funds (and get a new podcasting mic). Please take a look at the project and the little vlog I made for the campaign.
I've got some great rewards like free eBooks, author signed books, a mention in the acknowledgements, a book dedicated to you, a cameo appearance in my new WIP, a fully developed character in my new WIP, and a private party with me and 30 of your friends.
Get more information and make your pledge here: Blood, Sex, & Cogs: Steamy Steampunk & More KICKSTARTER
Looking forward to hearing from you. xo
THE PROJECT
The cost of publishing print books is unfortunately quite high, and so I'm requesting the patronage of readers to help offset those costs for the printing of The Zombies of Mesmer as well as the printing of my forthcoming anthology Caught in the Cogs (December 2011 release), which will consist of several short stories, poetry, and a selection of relationship essays. Publishing costs consist of hiring a cover artist, professional editor, layout costs, setup costs, and printing/shipping costs.
This kickstarter campaign is to raise money to print the two above titles, a third as yet untitled WIP "new novel" to be released early 2012 (unless NY picks it up!), and to buy a new podcasting microphone/headphones for higher quality podcast recording.
Please listen to my podcasts over at http://omgrey.wordpress.com and comment on the blog posts. I do so love to chat with readers throughout the week.
By donating funds to these projects you will not only get a chance to receive one or more of these titles before they are available to the general public (and signed by me), but you also have the opportunity to be a part of the creation itself if you choose to become a character in the new WIP novel.
If I surpass my project goal, the remaining funds will assist in travel and lodging to the many Steampunk Events I have planned next year, bringing me closer to my readers and meeting new ones. So far I am confirmed as a literary guest at HRM Steampunk Symposium and Clockwork Con in January 2012, Anomaly Con in March, and Aetherfest in May. I plan to also return to the Steampunk World's Fair in NJ as well as make an appearance at World Steam Con in MI. There are over twenty Steampunk conventions in 2012, and it is my goal to attend as many as will have me. Hope to see you there!
If you are new to the term STEAMPUNK, please learn more about this beautiful aesthetic at Wikipedia. I write "Steamy" Steampunk with a twist of the paranormal.
This campaign ends on my birthday, and I can think of no better gift than the support from my fabulous readers.
Filed under: Events & Contests, Lost in the Aether Tagged: author, contest, kickstarter, non-monogamy, o.m. grey, olivia grey, open marriage, passion, podcast, polyamory, postaweek2011, relationship advice, relationships, romance, sex, short story, steampunk, victorian
September 30, 2011
Chains of Victimization (Podcast)
Episode 19: Chains of Victimization.
If you have been a victim of abuse or suffered through an abusive relationship, it is important to acknowledge the abuse, whether it neglect, verbal, emotional, physical, or sexual, was not your fault. It was not your shame. But, now that it's over, it is your responsibility to regain your power and redefine your sense of self. Don't allow the abuser to continue hurting you by proxy. For links to the songs mentioned, please visit the original blog post.
Breaking the Betrayal Bond (Podcast)
Filed under: Podcasts Tagged: abuse, author, betrayal, broken heart, healing, heartbroken, honesty, infidelity, love, misogyny, non-monogamy, o.m. grey, olivia grey, open, open marriage, passion, podcast, polyamory, postaweek2011, relationship advice, relationships, romance, sex, steampunk, victim, victimization
September 28, 2011
Please Release Me
Hysteria.
That's what they called it in the Victorian Era. It was the made-up term by male physicians of the time to describe the symptoms of anxiety, "faintness, nervousness, insomnia, fluid retention, heaviness in abdomen, muscle spasm, shortness of breath, irritability, loss of appetite for food or sex, and 'a tendency to cause trouble'," among others. (Wikipedia) Pretty much anything afflicting a female patient could fall under the heading of "Hysteria" if needed.
And this "affliction" was relieved by "pelvic massage" until the patient experienced "hysterical paroxysm," better known today as an orgasm. Sometimes this "pelvic massage" was manual stimulation with a doctors hands, via water massage, or with the help of some new technology. My short story "Zeppelin Dreams" is about the latter.
The first steam-powered vibrator to aid in Hysteria relief was made in 1869 by George Taylor, M. D., pictured left.
With all those moving parts, I'd be a bit nervous about getting too intimate with that thing.
Read more at Her Private Pleasures, quite an interesting site to say the least.
Although "Hysteria" is dripping with misogynistic overtones, the need for sexual release is real. It's biological, as I've discussed in previous posts.
This article says that the physical need for release is much stronger in men because of sperm buildup, but since I'm not a man, I can't speak to that. As a woman, I do know that we also have a biological need for release. Perhaps it's a hormonal need, but I know that when I have regular sexual activity, my mood tends to be more balanced overall. I remember back in my late 20s, after I had become comfortable in my sexuality, I told my BF at the time that I needed sex at least 3x a week. If I didn't get it, my mood definitely suffered. Now each wo/man is an individual and their needs differ in this, and all, matters.
Masturbation, whereas considered "evil" or at best "wrong" in some circles, is in fact quite healthy and often necessary. Unfortunately for my sexuality, I was raised Catholic. It took me the better part of my twenties to get over the dogma surrounding sexuality, especially female sexuality. But I did, and am I everso glad I did! Although masturbation can provide a needed release, it most certainly doesn't replace human touch and intimacy, both emotional and sexual, with another person. But, in the times you don't have a lover or perhaps your sex drive is higher than that of your lover's, masturbation is a wonderful way to get the release you need. It also helps one develop their sexuality by allowing them to learn to let go and just feel, experience, enjoy the sensations of sexual pleasure.
Although I write steamy Steampunk and love the Victorian era as well as the aesthetic and possibilities of Steampunk, I am really glad to live in the 21st century where women's sexuality is more open and societally accepted than at probably any other time in history. I love sex. Really, really love sex. And I'm thrilled that I can be open about my sexuality and express myself accordingly.
A delightful new movie called "Hysteria" premiered at the Toronto Film Festival this year, and I cannot wait until it is released in the States. Watch the trailer below and squeal for joy.
-_Q
Read more on the History of the Vibrator.
Filed under: Romance & Relationships Tagged: author, hysteria, love, masturbation, misogyny, non-monogamy, o.m. grey, olivia grey, open, open marriage, passion, postaweek2011, romance, sex, sexual release, short story, steampunk, victorian
September 27, 2011
Steampunk Spotlight: Artifice Club
Today's Steampunk Spotlight shines on the amazing Artifice Club and their founder, the fantabulous DJ Doctor Q.
From their Facebook Fan Page:
"The Artifice Club is a collection of like minded individuals who gather together on a seasonal basis for a variety of reasons. For some, the chance to share stories of travels far and wide, or to exchange designs and plans for the latest inventive gadget. For others it is a place to see and be seen by their peers, and to hob nob among those of like interests. Regardless of form or desire, the Club is founded as an open ground for those who have one foot in the past, one in the future, and no thought to the present.All who share the love of retro-futurism may apply, and our social events will breathe fresh life into the mundane doldrums that is the present day."
The Artifice Club is about building community, about working together toward a common goal. They put on entertaining events throughout the year. Their next event is the 2nd Annual Mechanical Masquerade, which just happens to be scheduled for my birthday, November 12th. Even though I am a 16 hr drive away, I will do everything I can to get there! What a better way to spend my 42nd than with The Artifice Club and DJ Doctor Q!
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"Dr. Quincy Erasmus Quartermain, or simply Doctor Q, is an eccentric adventurer of ever-increasing renown. Having a doctorate in fringe fields of theoretical philosophy and experimental engineering, his current plot to achieve mass hysteria through event production is off to a wonderful start." (from The Artifice Club website)
Personally, I cannot say enough wonderful things about Dr. Q. He is one of my dearest friends and my very own personal muse. During the past year, where our acquaintance quickly moved into a deep friendship, he has not only been a supportive and patient friend on a personal front, but he has also kept me inspired and writing. When my focus wanes, Dr. Q is always ready with a handful of story ideas that get my creative juices flowing again. Some of his story seeds have turned into "Dead Mule Crossing," published by Pill Hill Press; "Dust on the Davenport," part of the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences' Tales from the Archives series (and now part of their 99 Penny Dreadful Kindle series, too); a yet untitled short story that will be in a Ravenous Romance Steampunk Anthology; and two Steampunk retellings of Grimm's Fairy Tales: "The Tragic Tale of Doctor Fausset," based on "Briar Rose," and "Hannah & Gabriel," based on "Hansel & Gretel," both to appear in the Caught in the Cogs Anthology to be released in December 2011.
O. M. Grey and DJ Doctor Q
Additionally–I'm so very excited about this–we are working on a novel together this fall. His unique ideas and vivid imagination mixed with my dark mind and darker prose, we should have created a fine Steampunk novel by the end of the year.
"He is also a well versed Master of Ceremonies and Event Producer. He has come highly praised from his visits of the semi-the annual meeting of the Society of Morally Ambiguous Rogues and Time-travelers ("They're S.M.A.R.T.!"), and other such obscure organizations vouch for his skills, wit, and charm to no end, though none have gone so far as to go on record. He also takes time to pen articles and serve as the Media Editor for the Steampunk Chronicle. As if this were not enough, he serves as the Senior Director of Arts and Entertainment for the amazing steampunk and alternate history convention, AnachroCon." (from the Artifice Club website)
And…to top it all off…he is a fantabulous DJ to whose tunes I had the pleasure of dancing at the Steampunk World's Fair this past May. He is available for Steampunk Events around the country for the 2012 season, and I hope to be cutting a rug with him again soon. (Did I mention he's a great swing dancer, too? Is there anything the man cannot do?)
Do friend Doctor Q on Facebook and The Steampunk Empire, also follow him on Twitter (@DJDoctor_Q). You can also find the Artifice Club on both Facebook and Twitter as well.
Filed under: Steampunk Spotlight Tagged: anachrocon, artifice club, cosplay, dj doctor q, dust on the davenport, events, masquerade, masquerade ball, mechanical masquerade, ministry of peculiar occurrences, penny dreadfuls, postaweek2011, steampunk, steampunk worlds fair, tales from the archives
September 26, 2011
Emotional Research
It had been 11 years since I had fallen in love. The last time, all those years ago, was with my husband, to whom I am still so happily married. He is my everything, my universe. He is patient and kind and supportive and loving. He is gentle and intelligent and affectionate. I tell him every day how lucky I am to have him in my life. I thank him every day for his unending patience with me, and I thank the universe for him as well. Every. single. day.
It had been 11 years since I had fallen in love. It had been about 15 since I had my heart broken and over 20 since it had been shattered. Then over this past year of utter hell, I have fallen in love twice and been shattered twice. It must be the last twelve years of being with such a great man, one who is honest and has a deep sense of integrity, that I have a tendency to just trust people. It must be living in an open and honest relationship that makes me believe other people's words, for I do take people at their word. And I just keep getting burned.
As I recover from the latest slight, from a man I trusted implicitly–a man who betrayed that trust–the realization of what this past year of agony has been hit me last week.
Emotional research.
As a dark romance author, I must spin tales of desire and heartbreak, love and death. My personal experience of falling in love was based on a decade-old memory. My personal experience of heartbreak, extreme heartbreak, was over two decades old. Well, fate fixed that.
Likely the darkest time in my entire life, the past year has reminded me of what it feels like to fall in love, to be sick with love, to feel the agony of desire, to suffer the crippling pain of heartbreak. After losing nearly 25 lbs due to the anxiety over the losses, after being unable to focus enough to read or write anything longer than a short story or a blog post for months, I have finally found my silver lining, the only good thing to come out of this torment (besides being thinner than I have been in 20 yrs): Emotional Research.
Now I have fresh memories of the pangs of love. Now I have recent sensations of feeling so much desire for another, and feeling the same from them, that you fear it will consume you–and you just don't care. Now I have the emptiness, that sinking, hollow feeling in your soul that only heartbreak can bring.
Now I remember it all.
With a little more time to heal–once I can focus again, once I can write again–I will be a better writer for it. My stories will be full of more emotion. They will contain richer characters, deeper pain. They will contain burning desire and crippling loss.
Because it all has to be for something. Right?
Right?!?!
Please tell me that there will be some benefit when I finally get over this.
Until then, I will continue trying to get through each day. Pushing memories out of my mind. Sleeping as much as humanly possible just to have a few hours of relief. Finding distractions when I can. Crying when I can't. Looking ahead. Going through the motions of life until I can once again feel alive.
Filed under: Lost in the Aether Tagged: author, broken heart, grief, healing, heartbroken, honesty, love, non-monogamy, o.m. grey, olivia grey, open, open marriage, passion, polyamory, postaweek2011, relationship advice, relationships, romance, sex, shattered
September 25, 2011
Black As Hell
My love is as a fever, longing still
For that which longer nurseth the disease,
Feeding on that which doth preserve the ill,
Th'uncertain sickly appetite to please.
My reason, the physician to my love,
Angry that his prescriptions are not kept,
Hath left me, and I, desperate, now approve
Desire is death, which physic did except.
Past cure I am, now reason is past care,
And frantic mad with evermore unrest;
My thoughts and my discourse as madmen's are,
At random from the truth vainly expressed:
For I have sworn thee fair, and thought thee bright,
Who art as black as hell, as dark as night.
~William Shakespeare, Sonnet 147
Filed under: Lost in the Aether Tagged: shakespeare
September 23, 2011
Breaking the Betrayal Bond (Podcast)
Episode 18: Breaking the Betrayal Bond.
Sometimes called Stockholm Syndrome, a betrayal bond is an inexplicable bond one makes with his/her abuser. Until that bond is recognized and broken, the victim of abuse cannot heal or move forward. Often times, we see the periods between abuse as kindness, and we start to empathize with our abuser. It is very important to recognize this pattern and break it. For links to helpful books and the quotes from the sources spoken about in this podcast, please visit the original blog post.
Breaking the Betrayal Bond (Podcast)
Filed under: Podcasts Tagged: author, betrayal, broken heart, healing, heartbroken, honesty, infidelity, love, misogyny, non-monogamy, o.m. grey, olivia grey, open, open marriage, passion, podcast, polyamory, postaweek2011, relationship advice, relationships, romance, sex, steampunk
September 21, 2011
Everybody Lies
As House says…
Everybody Lies.
This has been a very hard lesson to learn, as I don't lie, really. I tweeted the words "Everybody Lies" one day when I was feeling quite discouraged with people, and I got a wonderful reply. This person said, "That's not accurate." Perhaps "Everybody Has Lied" is more accurate, but that once someone grows up and takes responsibility, one realizes there is a better way than to lie, especially in intimate relationships, either platonic or romantic. For, as I've said so many times before, lying & deception is the ultimate betrayal.
These untruths, uttered out of fear or laziness, destroy relationships. And for the purposes of this post, lying includes deception, keeping information away from your partner or Significant Other when you know it's something that should be assessed.
Ultimate. Betrayal.
It just makes everything worse. Whatever the action or thought, however bad it might be, it's made infinitely worse by lying or deception. Your adding deception on top of whatever pain the thought or action might cause.
I learned this entire lesson again this summer. I don't do deception. I don't lie. As you can see in my blog, I am very open and very honest. Recently, I allowed myself to be a part of a deception, although it wasn't my deception, I was complicit in it. And that's bad enough.
No more.
If you find yourself lying to those you love, deceiving them, grow up. You don't have to stop playing video games or reading comic books. You can still play in the rain. You can still act spontaneously and enjoy life in a childlike wonder, but stop the deception. It hurts you and everyone around you. Take responsibility for your actions. And stop lying.
Respect yourself and respect your relationships enough to tell the truth. Things are infinitely less complicated when the truth can be shared.
However, reality teaches us again and again that most people do lie, and do so often. So regard others with a healthy dose of skepticism around their integrity until they prove themselves trustworthy by their actions, not just their words.
Filed under: Romance & Relationships Tagged: author, broken heart, grief, healing, heartbroken, honesty, infidelity, love, non-monogamy, o.m. grey, olivia grey, open, open marriage, polyamory, postaweek2011, relationship advice, relationships, romance, sex, steampunk
